Princeton High School sophomore struck, killed by Amtrak train Thursday

A Princeton High School sophomore who was on the train tracks near Princeton Junction Thursday afternoon was struck and killed by an Amtrak train, law enforcement sources said.

The Crescent Train No. 20 was headed from New Orleans to New York when the train struck the student on the tracks at about 2:45 p.m. An Amtrak spokesman said no Amtrak passengers or employees were injured.

Investigators are still reviewing the incident that appears to be a death by suicide.

Princeton Public Schools officials sent out notifications about the student’s death to parents this morning. Planet Princeton is withholding the name of the student, whose recently moved to Princeton with his family from the West Coast.

“It is with a heavy heart I share with you the tragic news that yesterday one of our sophomores at Princeton High School passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with this young man’s family and friends and with everyone affected by this loss,” wrote Superintendent of Schools Steve Cochrane an an email to parents Friday.

“Staff at Princeton High School shared the news with students in classrooms this morning. Guidance counselors and other trained professionals will continue to be available throughout the school and across the district to provide support for both students and adults,” wrote Cochrane. “This is a time of mourning for our entire community. We encourage you to do what you are probably doing already: reach out to your kids, ask them how they are doing, tell them that you love them. You may also want to encourage them to share with you or with adults at school any concerns they may have about their own emotional health or that of their friends.”

If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. You can also call your local police department and be connected with other resources in the Princeton and other local municipalities. Officers are trained to help residents and their loved ones.

Planet Princeton reports on death by suicide in certain circumstances, and it is our belief that such reporting, when done responsibly, is important as part of efforts to remove the stigma associated with death by suicide and raise awareness about this critical public health issue.